Starting July this year, local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be able to apply for other required business services from government agencies concerned such as licences and permits.
Mohamed Haniff Madakia, general manager of Semaun Seafood company, said, "In my opinion this effort is a very positive one in facilitating the SMEs in Brunei. This will cut down red tape and things will move faster. But what we want to see is the implementation of these efforts."
"It is indeed a good service that will cut down the waiting time as we will not have to go to the government offices to have our applications approved," he said.
"The MIPR has been at present giving good support to the SMEs for example by organising financial schemes courses and seminars," he added.
Sopiah Husaini, the president of the Women Business Council (WBC), said, “Anything that hastens bureaucracy is positive.
"Having said that we do want to experience the effectiveness of the service in ensuring that other relevant agencies are aligned with such requirements. We have yet to test the system," she added.
"We also would like to see how effective the services are in reducing the waiting time," she said.
Nor Hasnul Hamdani, the assistant general manager of Rakan Tiga Media, said, "Time in business is a concern. So the service would benefit private companies, which do face a lot of red tape."
“Although I did not know of this initiative before, it will be good as people can directly fill their applications from home and benefit from their business service free of charge."
eBina is under eMIPR Business Facilitation Services where applications of licences, permits, promotions, investment incentives, standard services and laboratory services can be applied online. A reply will be received in the time frame promised. eBina will also provide critical business services free of charge to SMEs such as financial management, promotions, advisory and counselling.
The ministry's intention is that eMIPR Business Facilitation Services will become a "Single Window" for integrated business facilitation services fox entrepreneurs and investors. It is hoped to transcend entire government and private sector agencies where entrepreneurs and investors would have their investments and undertakings facilitated.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Sobrina Rosli
Quelle/Source: Brunei Direct, 21.03.2007
